I train with and without, depending on our schedules. We mostly work on squats and lunges so we can watch each other’s form, and sometimes we spot and assist each other through extra sets on other exercises. And partner days are the only days I do bench presses with a barbell instead of just killing myself on dumbbells.
I don’t see the point in having a workout partner. I do dumbbell/machine presses instead of barbell bench. If you customize your workout to your particular goals and needs, most workouts are going to be different from what someone else is doing.
I guess if you have a problem with motivation, it might be helpful to have someone to keep you honest. I am more focused and intense when I do my own thing, without the distraction of socializing.
I train alone.
Been that way since I started lifting. Lately it’s been my shitty work schedule & the fact that with things going on in my life right now take precedence (baby on the way, trying to get some semblance of a garage home gym set up, etc.)
I like the freedom it allows me & I’m lucky enough that usually when I work out if I’m doing heavy BB bench or other max effort exercise and NEED a spotter I can call on some acquaintance at the gym to help out for a lift off and such.
Training alone also works for clearing the mind & is perfect at the end of a long day - just you & the weights = heaven.
I occasionally envy the bromances some guys have though that are in sync and can really motivate each other… “It’s all you, BRAH!”
On the other hand I detest the groups of guys that think they are going to have a quality workout when there are 3-5 of them all working out doing the same shit, on the same bench.
Seriously, training partner(s)? Give me a break.
Sorry to rant but yeah, alone IMO is best.
Alone. I’m self-motivated for lifting, the rack enables safety without a spotter, lack of a training partner means lack of distraction and lack of problems such as said partner not showing up on time, and “having” to modify what I would do in order to better fit in with another person.
Workout alone most of the time. I’m kind of OCD when it comes to my workout and having a partner throws me off. I know exactly what I need to to every time I go to the gym. I will however go with a friend on days when I want to max out my bench. Aside from that, it’s just me and the loud metal in my mp3 player.
I usually lift with a group of guys, but sometimes lift alone. The days that I make sure to have partners are ME Bench days. Partners are useful for hand-offs and verbal cues.
My power rack is all the partner I’ll ever need.
Never talks. Is never late. ALWAYS catches my failed attempts. Even holds my sweaty towel until next session.
lol
I have much better workouts with my buddy because I trust him to spot me the right way and i can push myself to the absolute limit. The only bad thing is I am way more dedicated to lifting than any of my friends so I get bailed on occasionally on a workout day.
Normally with a partner because I don’t always feel like doing life or death sets.
I train alone, but I don’t do any lifts that require a spotter.
Also, I hate talking alot. It takes away from my concentration. I’m one of those people who gets ready to lift quietly.
Oh and nobody has the same goals as me. Nobody I know trains the way I do.
Alone
But I like it when the few guys/girls at my gym that are making progress are there at the same time. It’s nice to be around people that actually have drive and ambition.
Shit I’m even happy when the crossfitters are there, at least these two guys are busting ass. Jumprope guy, even though he’s in the middle of the isle, is making progress and putting forth effort.
Alone, althought the rec center where I worked out at over the school year had WS4JB for my spotting needs (IE my bitch).
And about 4-5 serious guys who I give a nod to every once and a while and who I can count on for a spot. I always ask for a spot on my last set of bench, and it’s gone sour maybe 1-2 times.
i fucking hate people, just kidding but i workout alone, to much trouble finding a partner that doesnt want to stand around and talk
exclusively alone, partners have a tendancy 2 talk a lil tooooo much in beetween sets, during,YES DURING!!! my set or just turn the whole workout into a social event, im also the “known” strength coach at my gyms so i also get a lot of questions from partners during the workouts about training, nutrition, supplementation. Its all good, but not when im in “training state”.
as 4 my situation on benchin I usually use 1 of the 6 cages or racks at my gym, I place the pins where the bar touches my chest only when my chest is up. depending on the rack or cage i have had to put sum 2 1/2" plates under the bench legs to acheive that level. hope that helps.
BTW, no I dont curl at the squat rack! but i ocasionally bench there and it has saved me from sum missed PRs.
Alone, never had a training partner. Not by choice, I only have one friend who is into lifting and he trains in a different gym to me.
I train alone as i have a home gym now. I used to train with a partner when i came to a local gym but no one ever stuck, they could hang for awhile but it became a joke. The first minor injury or the weeks of pushing past plateaus would usually run them off. Its go heavy or go home! Were not at the gym to socialize and play grabass! I will occasionally meet up with a friend once or twice a month to get in a Punishing workout at the gym, but once your in a groove and have the benefit of your own space, its hard to go back to the commercial lifting areas!
[quote]huz wrote:
Alone.
Heaven is an empty gym.[/quote]
I completely agree.
[quote]naulamarad wrote:
huz wrote:
Alone.
Heaven is an empty gym.
I completely agree.[/quote]
I like having people in the gym. The energy is motivating, and sometimes you learn from watching people. I just don’t want to talk with them or have to wait too long for a piece of equipment.
[quote]forlife wrote:
naulamarad wrote:
huz wrote:
Alone.
Heaven is an empty gym.
I completely agree.
I like having people in the gym. The energy is motivating, and sometimes you learn from watching people. I just don’t want to talk with them or have to wait too long for a piece of equipment.[/quote]
I have to agree with forlife here. I don’t mind other people in the gym because you can certainly learn from watching them. Not always learning good things, but learning from their mistakes as well.
I train alone though and like it. If I need a spot there is usually someone nearby whom I can rely on.
[quote]forlife wrote:
naulamarad wrote:
huz wrote:
Alone.
Heaven is an empty gym.
I completely agree.
I like having people in the gym. The energy is motivating, and sometimes you learn from watching people. I just don’t want to talk with them or have to wait too long for a piece of equipment.[/quote]
To each their own, but a gym alone does = heaven.
About a month ago I recently discovered a downtown location in the chain of gyms I frequent (business district area) that turns into a ghost town after 7:30PM… All the business guys bail out Seriously, give working out alone in an almost deserted gym a chance. Besides the need for a spotter on ME BB chest work it’s as safe as it gets.
The level of focus is pretty sweet. Besides that, no lineups for anything.